Hafner putting 2007 struggles behind him

It’s not fair to say there was no joy in Pronkville last year. It is fair to say it was a tough year there.

Andy Call

It’s not fair to say there was no joy in Pronkville last year. It is fair to say it was a tough year there.

The second deck in right field at Progressive Field is named for “Pronk,” Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner. While Hafner’s 2007 season would be fine by most mortal standards, it suffered by comparison to the three years that preceded it.

From 2004-2006, Hafner averages were .308, 34 home runs and a 1.023 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS). In 2007, his numbers were .267, 24 homers and a .837 OPS.

“He was healthy, he was fine,” Indians Manager Eric Wedge said. “He just had a year that was more of a struggle for him than normal. Last year, he was never really able to lock it in. And, we have some high expectations for him.”

Hafner hopes to meet those expectations again in 2008.

“I really haven’t looked back on last year at all,” Hafner said. “I’m just focused on this year.”

In order to move forward, however, Hafner will need to focus on what went wrong last summer. There are a variety of theories, depending on the source of information. The most consistent theory among Indians personnel seems to be that when Hafner struggled, he began experimenting. And, as he did, the problems simply worsened.

“He just needs to focus on consistency and making sure he sticks with his game plan all the time,” hitting coach Derek Shelton said. “You have to focus on the process.”

“If your approach is off, you’re not going to have success,” Hafner said. “When you have good mechanics and a good game plan, you’re going to do well.

“Last year, it just seemed like I was close all year and never really got going. I just want to play the way I’m capable of. If I can swing the bat the way I’m capable, it’s definitely going to help out the offense.”

Hafner is an integral part of Cleveland’s offense, the No. 3 hitter in the order. The Indians need him to be productive and expect him to bounce back with another solid season in 2008.

Wedge said he likes what he has seen during spring training. Hafner was batting .250 with a .403 on-base percentage through Friday, and five of his 12 hits were for extra bases.

“He’s done a good job of doing a lot of work on the side, working to get himself going and find his swing,” Wedge said. “He’s doing a good job getting the barrel to the baseball, taking a good approach. He’s been pretty consistent. He’s done a lot of work, and it’s paying off for him.”

Pronk’s problematic right elbow will prevent him from playing first base except in interleague games. The Indians are already well-supplied with others who can play first (Ryan Garko, Victor Martinez, Casey Blake, Andy Marte).

What the Indians need Hafner to do most is hit. They are confident he will.

“He has a deep sense of performance, as long as he doesn’t put too much pressure on himself,” Wedge said.

“It was a human year, a solid year for most big-leaguers,” General Manager Mark Shapiro said. “His work ethic is a testament to the fact he will bounce back. Haf is one of the most likely candidates to have some improvement this year, based on his track record, how hard he works, and how much he cares.”